Daily Haze: Fantasy Draft Prep

Here are the results from my first real redraft of the summer, drafting from the No. 7 spot in the first round:

QBs: Donovan McNabb, David Garrard
RBs: Matt Forte, Reggie Bush, Marshawn Lynch, Ray Rice, Donald Brown, Fred Jackson
WRs: Calvin Johnson, Greg Jennings, Devin Hester, Chris Henry
TE: Brent Celek
K: Nate Kaeding
DST: Ravens

Standard scoring, non-PPR league. Thoughts?

As I expect, many of you are probably in final preparations for real fantasy drafts as we speak. I have two more drafts to conduct this summer and I feel like I got off to a good start with this one.

Some of the highlights, in my opinion: Forte at No. 7 was a steal. Never pass on a value too good to be true in your draft for a lesser player. If you had something else in mind, like trying to fill your starting roster, throw it out the window for a round if a top player is slipping.

That continued to happen in this draft. After I drafted Calvin Johnson in the second, Greg Jennings still was available with my third pick. I wanted to grab a RB2 coming into the draft, but Jennings was far too valuable at that spot compared to the available running backs.

For more great draft tips, read some—or all—of the great stories below.

Here are today’s great reads:

• Four tips on how to dominate your live fantasy drafts, plus a plethora of other fantasy football information. [SI.com]
• It is important to know what to do at fantasy drafts, but maybe more important to know what not to do at fantasy drafts. [Bruno Boys]
• Before heading into a live draft, bone up on some of the more popular fantasy football draft strategies. [Fantasy Football Fools]
• 14 proven draft recommendations, including this gem: “#3 Rookie wide receivers that were drafted in the top 12 in the NFL Draft are very overvalued in fantasy drafts.” You will not find Darrius Heyward-Bey or Michael Crabtree on any of my rosters this year. [Ultimate Fantasy Football Strategy]
• If you are looking for even more fantasy football games to play this year, consider this unique One and Done game. [Fantasy Sports Madness]
• Keeping a close eye on average draft position is a great way to keep up with trends in fantasy football drafts. [Fantasy Football Calculator]
• Play in other fantasy games, like the two fantasy football leagues hosted by The Hazean, to diversify your experience this year. [The Hazean]

Got a pressing fantasy football question and need an answer now? Or just want to chat about all the recent developments in the sports world? Head over to The Hazean’s fantasy football forums for all that and more. Also remember to check out The Hazean’s fantasy rankings and mock draft database.

If you are a Tweeter, follow The Hazean on Twitter. If it is a good chuckle you desire, check out The Hazean’s Facebook page. Remember to follow (Twitter) and become a fan (Facebook) of The Hazean on both popular social networking sites.

If it is just more solid reading material that you crave, check out The Hazean’s Google Reader Shared Items page.

Thank you for reading the latest post from The Hazean. Please visit our website for more great fantasy content!

Compete Against The Hazean, Win Prizes

I have never shied away from competing against you guys, the readers, in fantasy leagues.

To wit: A couple of March Madness brackets in the books, a playoff fantasy football league, fantasy basketball and baseball leagues and an NFL survivor league have been sponsored by yours truly in the past. I also do an annual fantasy football blogger league to compete against some of my peers.

Every league fills up pretty fast and the competition is, well, competitive.

So with that, I give you two football-related fantasy leagues in which you can compete against the writers here at The Hazean as well as all of our readers. One will be another NFL survivor league and the other a new addition to The Hazean’s fantasy faction: A pro football pick ‘em.

In order to give you guys enough incentive to sign up, there will be prizes again this year. We were able to give away a free t-shirt last year courtesy of NFL Juice to the survivor league winner. This year, I will leave it up to you guys to decide what type of prize will suffice.

Details on both leagues after the jump.

The Hazean’s Fantasy Survival Football League

You have been invited to join hucklsu’s Private Group in Yahoo! Sports Survival Football.

In order to join the group, just go to Survival Football, and click the “Join a Group” button. From there, enter the following information…

Group ID#: 8065
Password: thehazean

The Hazean’s Fantasy Pro Football Pick ‘em

You have been invited to join hucklsu’s Private Group in Yahoo! Sports Pro Football Pick’em.

In order to join the group, just go to Pro Football Pick’em, and click the “Join Group” button. From there, enter the following information…

Group ID#: 21509
Password: thehazean

Thank you for reading the latest post from The Hazean. Please visit our website for more great fantasy content!

Daily Haze: More on the Brett Favre Impact

I briefly touched on the return of Brett Favre yesterday, but wanted to expand on the fantasy implications a little bit this morning.

Some are not even going to take a look at the guy. Others will with earnest. In my first redraft of the summer last night, Favre was taken in the eighth round (*gasp*). That was premature considering he is not even currently being taken in mock drafts over at Fantasy Football Calculator (as of last night) and not until the 200s over at Mock Draft Central (well behind Jason Campbell, Marc Bulger and Chad Pennington).

The return of Favre had mixed results for the Vikings’ wide receivers in last night’s draft. Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice each went one round higher than their average draft positions, but Percy Harvin fell a round off his ADP and Visanthe Shiancoe was not even drafted in the 15 round, 12 team league draft.

So what does this tell you? Nothing really, yet. It was Favre’s first day in purple and gold. Fantasy owners seem ready to jump on board his bandwagon, but not quite sure what to make of the receiving situation yet.

I expect Berrian to become a hotter commodity going forward. Harvin and Shiancoe will rebound as well. Rice will be an enigma depending on what he can provide during the rest of the preseason.

The good news in all of this is that Adrian Peterson’s stock will not be touched by Favre’s presence, only—potentially—solidified.

Here are today’s great reads:

• If you are looking to consolidate the rankings of the major fantasy football sites, look no further than these composite rankings. [Fantasy Football Librarian]
• Some fantasy football observations after the first full weekend of preseason NFL football. [Sports Data Hub]
• The difference between standard leagues and point-per-reception leagues can make all the difference on players’ average draft positions. [Bruno Boys]
• Darren McFadden is looking like a stud ready to emerge from the 4th round of fantasy drafts this summer (4th round ADP according to Fantasy Football Calculator). [Roto Arcade]
• If consistency in fantasy football means everything to you, check out the kings of consistency. [FanHouse]

Got a pressing fantasy football question and need an answer now? Or just want to chat about all the recent developments in the sports’ world? Head over to The Hazean’s fantasy football forums for all that and more. Also remember to check out The Hazean’s fantasy rankings and mock draft database.

If you are a Tweeter, follow The Hazean on Twitter. If it is a good chuckle you desire, check out The Hazean’s Facebook page. Remember to follow (Twitter) and become a fan (Facebook) of The Hazean on both popular social networking sites.

If it is just more solid reading material that you crave, check out The Hazean’s Google Reader Shared Items page.

Thank you for reading the latest post from The Hazean. Please visit our website for more great fantasy content!

Breaking News: Brett Favre is Back

Adjust your cheat sheets accordingly.

Various outlets are reporting the Brett Favre is expected to sign a one-year deal worth $12 million with the Minnesota Vikings as early as today to become their starting quarterback for the 2009 season.

Surprised? I said a few weeks ago that there was no way he was done, even though he said he would remain retired. It was all a ploy to skip a good chunk of training camp. This is a win for Favre, who has plenty of time now to get himself up-to-speed for the Vikings first regular season game against Cleveland.

Fantasy impact: Favre will—again—start to shoot up the board in mock drafts. He will become a popular pick among owners in the middle rounds of drafts, too popular in my opinion.

The average draft positions of Bernard Berrian, Percy Harvin and Visanthe Shiancoe will improve as well. The ADPs of Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor will remain relatively unchanged, perhaps improving slightly on Taylor’s end.

Thank you for reading the latest post from The Hazean. Please visit our website for more great fantasy content!

Monday (Tuesday) Morning Rehab

It is not often the Monday Morning Rehab runs late, but this week certainly is one of those “not oftens.”

So many injuries to keep up with as preseason football kicked off in earnest last Thursday and throughout the weekend. Couple that with my weekend-away-from-civilization and you get a slight delay in injury news.

But I still bring it strong for you guys.

A bevy of injuries to update this week. All worth monitoring as fantasy owners are now into fantasy draft season. I have my first redraft tonight for a league with some guys from work. Drafting from the No. 7 spot, I will be able to provide some details on those results sometime this week.

By the way, anyone notice Brett Favre making news again? So much for Michael Vick stealing the spotlight—that last all of a weekend. Favre, according to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer and a few others, is almost certainly going to be a member of the Vikings sometime this season.

It could be soon. Stay tuned.

 

Tom Brady [QB, Patriots]

From ProFootballTalk:

“I’ve worked with a lot of guys, and it’s remarkable how quickly he’s rehabbed,” Alex Guerrero told Albert Breer of Sporting News. “Tommy’s been doing everything since the end of February.”

Brady looked great in the preseason win against the Eagles on Thursday night. All systems are go for Tom Terrific, draft accordingly.

What may happen now in the coming weeks is a shift in power at the top of the quarterback rankings. I would not be surprised to see Brady at least pull even with Drew Brees in terms of average draft position.

 

Antonio Bryant [WR, Buccaneers]

From ProFootballTalk:

On Monday, word emerged that Bucs receiver Antonio Bryant needs knee surgery.

On Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN Future reported on his Twitter page that Bryant has had surgery, and that the team expects him to miss three weeks of action.

This could be decent news for fantasy owners that have yet to draft. Bryant was going at an overvalued price in recent mock drafts because of his strong showing down the stretch last season. It was highly doubtful he would replicate those numbers with a new, still unknown, starting quarterback under center.

Now fantasy owners can watch him fall to a more valuable range in the middle rounds or later of fantasy drafts. Much less risk involved in that range.

 

Braylon Edwards [WR, Browns]

From The Fantasy Football Geek Blog:

Browns receiver Braylon Edwards has ANOTHER leg/foot injury?! As of right now I’m not getting too excited about Edwards’ potential this season…how about you?

Remember Edwards got stepped on by teammate Donte Stallworth in practice last year? It held him out of practice, but did not have much of an affect on his fantasy value.

Same thing here. This seems minor but is now the second injury to Edwards since the beginning of training camp. A slight concern, but one has to figure this being a contract year for Edwards has something to do with it.

 

Terrell Owens [WR, Bills]

From ProFootballTalk:

After missing a Tuesday morning walk-through, Bills wideout Terrell Owens also missed practice on Tuesday night because of a sprained toe suffered in Sunday night’s Hall of Fame game.

His status is “day-to-day,” according to Bills head coach Dick Jauron.

Some in the fantasy world are beginning to wonder if this is a sign that Owens’ body is breaking down.

I think not.

Owens has had a history of nagging injuries during training camps and preseasons of the past. Perhaps it is just his way of getting out of some of the most grueling practices.

 

Brian Westbrook [RB, Eagles]

From RotoWorld:

Brian Westbrook (knee) is expected to return to practicing on Saturday, along with DE Victor Abiamiri (torn pectoral).

Unprompted by the signing of Michael Vick, this is great news for Westbrook. His average draft position has been slipping well into the second round. Earlier this summer, he was a first round lock.

The value seems decent on him currently. While a return to practice should encourage some confidence in Westy, LeSean McCoy’s impressive preseason debut could be a sign of things to come. If McCoy keeps playing like that, he surely will take some PT away from the elder Westbrook this season.

 

Steve Smith [WR, Panthers]

From ProFootballTalk:

“If I can play, then I’m playing, whether it be preseason or regular season,” Smith said Tuesday. “If I can’t play, I won’t play. If I’m not going to be effective and be able to compete, then it’s not best for the team.”

Smith returned to practice on Friday, making this a non-issue. Keep an eye on him during the next week or so to make sure there are no ill effects, but feel free to draft Smith accordingly in the time being.

 

Brent Celek [TE, Eagles]

From RotoWorld:

Eagles TE Brent Celek suffered a partial separation of the AC joint in his shoulder Thursday night.

The injury sounds worse than it apparently is, which is great news for fantasy owners aiming to target Celek late in fantasy drafts.

We should get to the overvalued/undervalued tight ends sometime soon and you guys can expect to see Celek on that list. Now that rookie Cornelius Ingram is out of the way, Celek should be in for a great season after emerging during the playoffs last season.

 

Joseph Addai [RB, Colts]

From RotoWorld:

Addai, who had offseason knee surgery, was initially slated for once-a-day practicing in camp, but it sounds like he’s been full go. He will rotate with rookie Donald Brown this year, but could still be a valuable late RB2.

Addai is clearly entrenched in a battle with rookie Brown, as evidenced by the Colts’ first preseason game against the Vikings.

Brown had five carries for 58 yards against Minnesota, while Addai was limited to just two carries for a respectable 13 yards. Neither player caught a pass, which is something both should do a fair deal of this season. The battle for chemistry in the Colts’ backfield will continue to develop throughout the remainder of the preseason.

 

Lance Moore [WR, Saints]

From RotoWorld:

Lance Moore (shoulder) finally practiced without a red “non-contact” jersey Sunday.

Good news for those touting Moore and his relatively low average draft position considering how well he played last season and the fact that he is the No. 2 wide receiver in a prolific passing offense.

Some are bear-ish on Moore because of the total amount of weapons on the Saints offense. With Marques Colston, Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, Jeremy Shockey and Moore on the field, Drew Brees has so many different options.

However, the fact remains that Moore is a valuable piece of the puzzle with whom Brees has developed a high comfort level. Moore is a safe mid-round draft pick and a solid WR3.

 

Steve Breaston [WR, Cardinals]

From RotoWorld:

Steve Breaston was diagnosed with a sprained PCL and a bone bruise in his right leg, and is listed as day-to-day.

Still being drafted too high for my liking, Breaston may see a slight downturn in fantasy value upon news of this injury.

He still is an injury away—most likely to Anquan Boldin—to having truly significant fantasy value again. I suppose he is not a bad value as a WR4 if you can get him at that point.

 

Jonathan Stewart [RB, Panthers]

From RotoWorld:

Jonathan Stewart has missed six consecutive practices at Panthers camp due to continued soreness in his Achilles’ tendon.

Not good.

Stewart is going to continue to lose the coach’s support if he cannot stay on the field. And this only helps solidify DeAngelo Williams’ position as the sole breadwinner in the Carolina backfield.

JStew struggled through injuries last season and I expect he will try to do the same again this year. But it severely limits his fantasy value if he cannot wrestle more playing time away from Williams.

 

Kurt Warner [QB, Cardinals]

From FFToolbox:

Warner’s hip surgery was successful, but it will take about 12 months for it to be right. Warner is only 4 1/2 months separated from surgery.

The old man is just one hit away from being irrelevant again. To me, he may now have surpassed Philip Rivers as the more overvalued selection in fantasy drafts this summer.

I am not hanging any of my fantasy championship hopes on his shoulders this season unless the value is absolutely right. And to me, that would be 6th round or later.

He had a great season last year, I am not trying to take that away from him, but two in a row? I do not see it happening.

 

Knowshon Moreno [RB, Broncos]

From ProFootballTalk:

Following PFT’s report earlier today that Denver Broncos rookie running back Knowshon Moreno had suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament, the AFC West franchise received more good news about the first-round draft pick’s condition.

Per Mike Klis of the Denver Post, Moreno has a slight knee sprain and will be sidelined for only one to two weeks.

The Broncos expect Moreno to be the feature back this season, but that expectation got off on the wrong foot (knee?).

Expect Denver to take it easy on the rookie running back during the remainder of the preseason while getting some of the other backs—Peyton Hillis, Correll Buckhalter—more work.

This could very well end up being a New England-like running-back-by-committee approach, something head coach Josh McDaniels is very familiar with.

 

Andre Brown [RB, Giants]

From NFL GridIron Gab:

Rookie running back Andre Brown ruptured his Achilles, and will get operated on next week. Apparently, he was going up for a pass, and landed wrong on his foot.

An unfortunate start to what was thought could be a decent season for the rookie out of N.C. State.

Some expected Brown to earn the role as Brandon Jacobs’ primary backup this season, but those predictions will take a back seat at least until next season.

 

Roy Williams [WR, Cowboys]

From FFToolbox:

The Associated Press reported that Dallas Cowboys WR Roy Williams is listed as day to day after spraining his wrist during the team’s second practice; X-rays were negative.

This does not sound too serious, but worth monitoring nonetheless. Keep an eye on Williams the rest of training camp and preseason to see if there are any ill effects in regards to catching and holding onto the football.

 

Carson Palmer [QB, Bengals]

From ProFootballTalk:

Per ESPN, it’s a mild-to-moderate sprain, which will at a minimum knock Palmer out of Thursday night’s preseason game at New England.

But if it indeed is a high ankle sprain, Palmer could miss even more time.

Palmer banged up the ankle on Friday night in the preseason opening loss to the New Orleans Saints. The last thing he needs is another injury scare.

If Palmer can stay healthy this year, Cincinnati’s passing game figures to have significant fantasy value this year. All three of the top wide receivers—Laveranues Coles, Chad OchoCinco and Chris Henry— are draftable and rosterable players at this point. If Chase Coffman can win the tight end job, he could be a nice bye week fill-in at some point this season.

But it all hinges on Palmer’s health.

 

Marc Bulger [QB, Rams]

From ProFootballTalk:

In a development that brings back bad memories of the endless debate during the 2008 season regarding the condition of one of Tony Romo’s smallest fingers, Rams quarterback Marc Bulger reportedly will miss at least two weeks with a non-displaced pinkie fracture.

Just when you thought the Rams could not get any worse … they certainly could.

Without the veteran Bulger at the helm of the offense, defenses surely would stack the box against Steven Jackson. That would not be a good prognosis for his fantasy value. For Jackson to have another elite season, Bulger needs to get—and stay—on the field.

The MMR will continue to run every Monday morning as scheduled during the offseason. If you have an injury update or want an update on a certain player, please leave a note in the comments.

Thank you for reading the latest post from The Hazean. Please visit our website for more great fantasy content!

Daily Haze: I Need a NetBook

Anybody want to pony up some cash so that this devouted fantasy football blogger can get a NetBook?

No?!?

Yeah, that is the same response I got from the wife.

But man, I would love one of those to take on the road during my ultimate frisbee season. Cleveland, the team for which I play, is doing an awful lot of road tripping this summer/fall and I get a little behind on the blog being away for a weekend here and there. Working on stories would be a great way to pass some time on the road.

But alas, the wife said no. Poor me!

Still a few days to vote for last month’s best fantasy football team name. This month’s contest will be opening up for submissions soon, keep an eye out for that.

Here are today’s great reads:

• For those preparing for fantasy drafts in the next few days — or today, like me — a look at some of the more common draft strategies for the first two rounds. [FanHouse]
• Speaking of fantasy drafts, it is important that fantasy owners know which running backs should be handcuffed this season before said drafts. [Football Jabber]
• After an impressive preseason debut as the starter, Baltimore’s Ray Rice may be the best value in fantasy football. [ProFootballTalk]
• Owen Daniels and Brent Celek continue to show up on lists of the most coveted tight ends available deep in fantasy drafts. [Bruno Boys]

Got a pressing fantasy football question and need an answer now? Or just want to chat about all the recent developments in the sports’ world? Head over to The Hazean’s fantasy football forums for all that and more. Also remember to check out The Hazean’s fantasy rankings and mock draft database.

If you are a Tweeter, follow The Hazean on Twitter. If it is a good chuckle you desire, check out The Hazean’s Facebook page. Remember to follow (Twitter) and become a fan (Facebook) of The Hazean on both popular social networking sites.

If it is just more solid reading material that you crave, check out The Hazean’s Google Reader Shared Items page.

Thank you for reading the latest post from The Hazean. Please visit our website for more great fantasy content!

Daily Haze

Okay, so unless you live under the proverbial rock, you now are aware that Michael Vick has signed with Philadelphia. The once Dirty Bird is now an Eagle. Of course, the hype machine on Vick will be working in overdrive for the next couple of weeks, and you can bet PETA will be boycotting all of the Eagle’s games.

But does this signing hurt the fantasy value of any players? Too early to tell, they could use him as just a decoy, or maybe he might start stealing some TDs from McNabb or even Westy. Either way, the public is chomping at the bit to see Vick in some form of preseason action.

But enough about Vick…

Here are today’s great reads:

• Before the entire sports market is saturated with all things Vick, here is a timeline of his career. [Delaware Online]
• QB controversy between Orton and Simms in Denver?  Maybe.  Either way, with the likely suspension of Brandon Marshal, Denver could be in for a messy year. [FF Toolbox]
• Last year was the year of the rookie running backs (think Forte, Slaton, Chris Johnson, Kevin Smith). But here are a few reasons why shouldn’t expect the same results from this year’s crop of running backs. [CBS Sportsline]

Got a pressing fantasy football question and need an answer now? Or just want to chat about all the recent developments in the sports world? Head over to The Hazean’s fantasy football forums for all that and more. Also remember to check out The Hazean’s fantasy rankings and mock draft database.

If you are a Tweeter, follow The Hazean on Twitter. If it is a good chuckle you desire, check out The Hazean’s Facebook page. Remember to follow (Twitter) and become a fan (Facebook) of The Hazean on both popular social networking sites.

If it is just more solid reading material that you crave, check out The Hazean’s Google Reader Shared Items page.

Thank you for reading the latest post from The Hazean. Please visit our Web site for more great fantasy content!

Daily Haze: Got Mock Drafts?

Real drafts could be underway. Anybody participated in a non-mock draft yet?

My first real draft of the season is next Tuesday. Been working on the cheat sheets in earnest. To help others, I updated The Hazean’s fantasy football mock draft database last night. Make sure to check that out to stay on top of the latest trends in mock drafts.

Speaking of real drafts, does anyone have something special planned for the real draft? Buffalo Wild Wings seems like a pretty popular destination for fantasy footballers. If you have a unique setup for your fantasy draft, share it with everyone in the comments.

Here are today’s great reads:

• Ten more reasons not to take Philip Rivers too early in fantasy drafts. [Sports Data Hub]
• An excellent run-down of all the running back situations around the league. Pretty useful stuff for fantasy owners. [FanHouse]
• An update on the current state of the fantasy football draft market. Some are up, some are down! [National Football Post]
• Wonder how much this news is going to affect his average draft position: Dwayne Bowe is in Todd Haley’s dog house. [Shutdown Corner]
• When it comes down to taking a late-round wide receiver, there really are too distinct camps among fantasy owners: Play it risky or play it safe. [Fantasy Football Calculator]

Got a pressing fantasy football question and need an answer now? Or just want to chat about all the recent developments in the sports world? Head over to The Hazean’s fantasy football forums for all that and more. Also remember to check out The Hazean’s fantasy rankings and mock draft database.

If you are a Tweeter, follow The Hazean on Twitter. If it is a good chuckle you desire, check out The Hazean’s Facebook page. Remember to follow (Twitter) and become a fan (Facebook) of The Hazean on both popular social networking sites.

If it is just more solid reading material that you crave, check out The Hazean’s Google Reader Shared Items page.

Thank you for reading the latest post from The Hazean. Please visit our website for more great fantasy content!

 

Four Off-the-Bench NFL Rookies Ready to Emerge

Marc’s last Rookie Report told you guys which five guys are ready to start for fantasy owners from day one. One of those five—Michael Crabtree—remains unsigned by the 49ers. Starting to think this season might be a wash for Crabtree.

Today, Marc brings the rookies back to the forefront with four guys who could spring from their respective benches, and fantasy benches as well, to put up some big numbers. Keep a close eye on these guys through the preseason.

Who are the rookie players that might be worth drafting in your fantasy league this year?  Who will be this season’s Chris Johnson, Steve Slaton or Matt Forte?

If you are looking for a come-out-of-nowhere rookie, the following four guys could surprise fantasy owners in 2009.

 

Pat White, QB, Dolphins

White impressed scouts with his improved passing abilities at the combine before the NFL draft.  Parcells drafted White to run Miami’s Wildcat offense.  White has the ability to throw the ball at anytime, unlike Ronnie Brown, who took a majority of the Wildcat snaps last year.  White could develop into a quarterback of the future as soon as this year.

 

LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles

McCoy was drafted to be a complement to Brian Westbrook.  McCoy will be ready to step into the spotlight if Westbrook goes down with an injury.  He is a mandatory handcuff for Westbrook owners.

 

Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants

Eli Manning hopes he got another Plaxico Burress with less baggage in Nicks.  Nicks is eerily similar to Burress—he is huge and has good hands.  Manning may be able to just throw the ball up and let Nicks jump and get it.

 

Kenny Britt, WR, Titans

Britt had some of the more consistent hands coming out of college.  More good news is that he was drafted by the receiver-deficient Titans.  I know they don’t throw the ball that much, but his competition at wide receiver is not that great.  He should challenge for a spot in the starting lineup.

Thank you for reading the latest post from The Hazean. Please visit our website for more great fantasy content!

Daily Haze: Jay Cutler and Devin Hester

When Jay Cutler arrived in Chicago this spring, many wondered what the hit to his ascending fantasy value would be.

Almost immediately, it began to nose dive. No more Brandon Marshall. No more Eddie Royal. No more Tony Scheffler. Heck, no more Mike Shanahan—though that would have been the case in Denver.

Cutler lost a lot of luster in the move. Fantasy experts were bear-ish on the Bears’ passing game most of the spring. But things are starting to look up in the windy city.

Apparently Cutler has been everything the Bears wanted in a quarterback and more through the start of training camp. And now some legitimate receiving weapons are emerging, namely Devin Hester.

A sexy “sleeper” pick in the middle rounds, Hester showed some promise with Kyle Orton under center last season. Now imagine if he begins to develop a rapport with Cutler. That could be a pretty lucrative connection for fantasy owners.

Toss in starting tight end Greg Olsen, and Cutler’s fantasy value is starting to rebound again. This will be a good dynamic to watch during the preseason.

Here are today’s great reads:

• Despite missing the first 12 practices of training camp, the Broncos are not going to make Knowshon Moreno sit around and wait for his opportunity to start. [ProFootballTalk]
• If you are going to watch preseason football—and, really, who among us isn’t?—there are five enticing exhibition games on the schedule. [Shutdown Corner]
• Mark Sanchez is on the verge of wrestling away the Jets’ starting quarterback job from Kellen Clemens. [The Fantasy Football Geek Blog]
• The three worst fantasy football running-back-by-committees are reside in the AFC: Baltimore, New England and the Jets. [Fantasy Football Fools]
• As if there were not already enough pressure on his shoulders, Matt Cassel could wear the label of the biggest bust among this year’s quarterback class. [Bruno Boys]
• If you are looking for a few players that may have something extra to play for this season. [Football Jabber]

Got a pressing fantasy football question and need an answer now? Or just want to chat about all the recent developments in the sports’ world? Head over to The Hazean’s fantasy football forums for all that and more. Also remember to check out The Hazean’s fantasy rankings and mock draft database.

If you are a Tweeter, follow The Hazean on Twitter. If it is a good chuckle you desire, check out The Hazean’s Facebook page. Remember to follow (Twitter) and become a fan (Facebook) of The Hazean on both popular social networking sites.

If it is just more solid reading material that you crave, check out The Hazean’s Google Reader Shared Items page.

Thank you for reading the latest post from The Hazean. Please visit our website for more great fantasy content!

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